MENTORING

In the broad sense, a mentor is someone who takes special interests in helping person to motivate and develop him/her in to a successful professional. In the present scenario, the concept of mentoring has found application in every forum of learning. In academics,�mentor�is often used synonymously with�faculty adviser.�A mentoring relationship develops over an extended period, during which a student's needs and the nature of the relationship tend to change. Mentor will try to be aware of these changes and vary the degree and type of attention, help, advice, information, and encouragement.

In general, an effective mentoring relationship is characterized by mutual respect, trust, understanding, and empathy. Good mentors are able to share life experiences and wisdom, as well as technical expertise. They are�good listeners, good observers,�and�good problem-solvers of mentees.�They make an effort to know, accept, and respect the goals and interests of the mentees.

At, VIPS, a systematic mentoring system is in place to ensure overall development of the students, which includes personal, professional and career development. At present, there are more than 600 students studying in different discipline and these students are monitored and mentored by around 40 faculty mentors. Mentors will be in touch with mentees even after completion of their degrees. Mentors collects the placement/higher studies details of the mentees, shares job opportunities for needy people, invites them to participate in college events like cultural fests, Technical talks, Alumni meets, etc.

The mentoring system functions as under:

• Faculty members are designated as mentors at their program level.
• Approximately 20 students are assigned for every mentor during the beginning of first semester. The same mentor will be continued till the student leaves the college after successfully completing their degree.
• The faculty mentor regularly interacts with the mentees assigned to him/her and guides them with respect to their academic issues and sometimes on personal issues also.
• The mentor conducts three meetings per semester, normally within 10 days after the completion of each internal assessment test. During the meeting, the mentor interacts with all the mentees individually, listen to their problems, make efforts to address the problems and also provide suggestions. The mentor also communicates the performance in IA tests and attendance status of mentees to the respective parents.
• Wherever necessary, the mentor, in consultation with the HOD and the concerned Course teacher, arrange additional tutorial or remedial classes.
• Mentors will also periodically communicate the circulars to the students related to semester end examination, IA marks, internship, activity points, etc. and also monitor their progress till the completion of their degree.